Real Estate Licensing in Cutler Bay, Florida

Who Needs a License

Under Florida law, a real estate broker, sales associate, or representative must hold an active license to sell, buy, exchange, rent, or lease real property on behalf of another person for compensation. [Fla. Stat. § 489.105 defines a "real estate broker" as any person who, for another and for compensation or promise of compensation, sells, buys, exchanges, rents, or leases real property or assists in negotiating or procuring these transactions.]

A "sales associate" is an individual employed or contracted by a broker to perform licensed activities under the broker's supervision.

If you engage in these activities for compensation without a license, you are operating unlawfully.

How to Get Licensed

Florida real estate licensing is administered by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR), Division of Real Estate—not by local government.

Steps:

1. Pre-licensing education: Complete a 63-hour approved pre-licensing course through an accredited provider.

2. State exam: Pass the Florida Real Estate Commission (FREC) licensing exam, which tests knowledge of state law [Fla. Stat. § 489.105 and related statutes].

3. Apply for license: Submit your application to DBPR with proof of course completion and exam passage.

4. Sponsorship requirement: Before activation, you must be sponsored by an active Florida broker.

Contact the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation for current exam schedules, approved course providers, and application procedures. Licensing is statewide; local approval is not required.

Local Requirements

Cutler Bay does not issue separate real estate licenses. However, brokers and sales associates conducting business in Cutler Bay must comply with Cutler Bay Municipal Code regulations governing business operations and property transactions within the town's jurisdiction.

Refer to the Cutler Bay Municipal Code for local ordinances affecting real estate practice, including zoning, disclosure requirements, and any additional local licensing or registration provisions that may apply to real estate offices operating within town limits.

For questions about local requirements, contact the Cutler Bay Building Department or the Town Clerk's office.

Exemptions

Florida law exempts:

• Owners selling their own property (not acting as a broker or agent)
• Attorneys licensed in Florida when performing real estate services as part of legal representation
• On-site property managers handling rentals for a single property owner
• Employees of the property owner performing administrative tasks only

[Fla. Stat. § 489.105 outlines these exemptions in detail.]

State Licensing Board Contact

Florida Real Estate Commission (FREC), Department of Business and Professional Regulation
- Phone: 850-487-1395
- Website: https://www2.myfloridalicense.com/real-estate-commission/

References

• Fla. Stat. § 489.105 — Definitions
• Cutler Bay Municipal Code

The law belongs to the people. Georgia v. Public.Resource.Org, 590 U.S. (2020)